AKASHI, Hyogo -- Former Japan economy and industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is assured of winning a seat in the House of Representatives election on Oct. 27, despite not being given an official endorsement from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over his role in the party's slush fund scandal.

Nishimura, 62, who ran as an independent in the Hyogo No. 9 constituency, is certain to secure his eighth term.

As a former secretary-general of the LDP's now defunct Abe faction, which came under fire for pooling off-the-books funds, Nishimura was pressed to explain himself over the money scandal involving faction fundraising parties. Since the beginning of this year, he continued to offer an apology at various places including at gatherings for supporters in his home turf. During his stump speeches, he defended himself, saying, "They were not slush funds, but an error in reporting them."

During his stints in ministerial and key party posts, Nishimura often was unable to campaign in his own constituency, yet this time he aggressively shook hands with citizens and casually responded to commemorative photos. He also emphasized his experience as minister in charge of tackling the coronavirus and minister of economy, trade and industry.

Nishimura was given an endorsement from the LDP's junior coalition partner Komeito, as well as from a local LDP branch, and fully engaged to secure organized votes from companies and groups. He managed to beat three newcomers, including Keigo Hashimoto, 35, of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who boasts himself as the "best disciple" of former Akashi Mayor Fusaho Izumi, 61.

(Japanese original by Naoki Irie, Akashi Local Bureau)